ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police (NMSP) are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the Española Police Department (EPD) on Tuesday night, Mar. 28. The shooting occurred near 322 North Riverside in Espanola.
Around 7 p.m. Tuesday night, police responded to a report of a Ford F-150 blocking traffic in front of a Century Bank. The driver, 56-year-old Hilario Baca of Velarde, was armed with a rifle. Baca allegedly raised the rifle and pointed it at an EPD officer as they approached. Officers told Baca to drop the weapon but he continued to point it toward the officer.
An EPD officer shot his duty weapon at least once, hitting Baca. Baca was then airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital. He will now face charges as a result of the incident.
The EPD officers involved were unharmed and have not been identified by NMSP. State police say, “The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau works independently to determine the series of events that led up to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the appropriate district attorney for their review and consideration.”
